Who Assesses Supplier Reliability?

In the thrilling world of procurement, where deals are struck and products flow, ensuring reliable suppliers is paramount. But who assesses this reliability? ?♀? The answer might surprise you (or it might not ). Let's break down the common suspects:

• a) QA (Quality Assurance): QA peeps are the watchdogs of internal quality processes. They ensure your company's products meet standards, but they typically don't delve into the nitty-gritty of supplier reliability.
• b) QC (Quality Control): ?? Similar to QA, QC focuses on ensuring the quality of incoming materials or products. While they might flag issues with a supplier's output, assessing overall reliability falls outside their core function.
• c) NDT (Non-Destructive Testing): NDT specialists use fancy techniques to inspect materials without damaging them. However, their expertise lies in material integrity, not supplier trustworthiness.
• d) Testing: Testing can encompass various methods, but it generally focuses on product functionality or performance. While test results might reveal supplier inconsistencies, a broader evaluation is needed for reliability assessment.

So, who wears the supplier reliability assessment crown?

The answer is... Procurement! The procurement team, especially those involved in supplier qualification and management, shoulders the responsibility of assessing supplier reliability. They use various methods, including:

• Past performance: Analyzing a supplier's history of on-time deliveries, quality consistency, and responsiveness to issues.
• Financial stability: Evaluating a supplier's financial health to ensure they can meet your needs over time.
• Capability assessment: Assessing a supplier's production capacity, quality control processes, and ability to meet your specific requirements.
• Reference checks: ?? Talking to other companies who use the supplier to get a sense of their reliability.

By employing these methods, procurement builds a comprehensive picture of a supplier's reliability, ensuring a smooth and successful partnership.